I have noticed a leak from my rear axle pinion flange. This is a 3.3 axle which was new to me that I had refurbished and replaced the crush sleeve and seal. I did not take careful note of the rear flange surface and expect to see some pitting or a groove. Before I disrupt the pinion nut and all the associated hassles with maintaining preload I wanted to purchase a pinion seal and speedi sleeve. It appears that there is a sleeve available from Moss for the older banjo style axle but nothing for the MGC or later MGB. I assume the 69 and newer MGB and MGC are the same. I came across an e-bay kit skf-480151. The diameter this sleeve is spec'd for is 1.5" which sounds small to me. Anyone got an axle apart and can put a micrometer on the pinion flange?

Alan
You can by pass the tertiary market and deal direct with a bearing supplier. I don't know what you have in Canada but if you know the ID, OD and length needed they can order it in for you. That part of the tube axle (not the earlier banjo axle as used on early B and MGA) is identical B to C. You just "might" get by with crocus cloth polishing IF you see the culprit and damage to the seal causing the leak. Speedi sleeves are owned now by SKF bearing considered to be one of the finest makers in the world.

Alan:
I don't recall for sure but don't think the B and C are the same, seems that the C looked bigger. I'd just replace the seal first to see if that takes care of it. My 69 leaked and I replaced the seal and it's been good for a couple of years now. They don't leak much anyway.

thanks for your input John. I had just replaced the seal 10,000 miles ago so I think I have a scored or pitted flange so either I can polish it out or find a speedi sleeve. There is the option of sending out to a machine shop to add metal and restore the surface. I was just trying to have a speedi sleeve on hand so I could do a quick disassembly repair and back on the road. I have something coming from e-bay that says it fits the C pinion flange as well as a new seal. Hopefully it all fits.

I also had an axle seal fail not long ago but that was easier work than the pinion seal. No preload to worry about. Of course I will mark the position of the pinion nut and get it back to the same position so as not to overtighten and distort the crush sleeve. Been there done that.

good to know, when I rebuilt my rear axle it was out of the car on my basement floor and was a cinch. We will see how it goes lying on my back with a 2 foot extension bar. Maybe I will have to come out to California and use your lift!!!

Robert
I used to be young and stupid but now think I am just old and still stupid.
I have a MGA project sitting the garage that is 70% completed and has been 70%completed for 2 years. I dont make the time nor have the desire to do two cars at once anymore.
My MGC engine rebuild is now in its 9th month and still not sure when it will be done but hopefully soon. Today my machinist and I have crossed one big hurdle which makes jumping the next 3 or 4 easier.
Ron